(Michael)

"Lie awake completely satisfied feel the sweat run through my hair. Well, I haven't felt this way in quite some time, when I look over your not there

Pain….. I won't let you slip away…. Noooo…nooooo...ooo..,ooo! Everybody makes mistakes sometimes…

Everyone here knows this is killing me. It tears the soul straight from my spine…"

"Mike? Hold on a sec." The music fell away and silence filled the recording chamber.

Michael stepped back from the mic and grabbed his bottled water. They had been working on this particular track for the last forty-five minutes, but he had been there for hours.

He swallowed with a slight wince and unscrewed the cap. His throat felt dry from the abuse of his vocal cords and he had a feeling before the day was out he would be hoarse. He took a big swig of water, the cool liquid soothing its way down his throat.

He capped the bottle and set it aside, his eyes moving back to the two men who held the fate of his CD in their hands.

Joe and Hector were talking, they had their heads together, but then they usually did. Not that Michael could hear a word of what they were saying anyways, what with the thick soundproofing of the recording studio. But maybe if they moved a little he could read their lips.

This was stupid. He had every right to know if there was a problem.

He headed out of the booth and shut the door behind him. "Something wrong, guys?"

They looked up at him, a worried look coming over Hector's face. "Um, Michael how's your throat feeling?"

Michael sighed, his hand automatically coming up to stroke his neck. "It's a little sore, but…"

Hector shook his head. "No buts, Michael. I think you should head out and get some rest. We can finish this up tomorrow."

Michael opened his mouth to protest, to say that he was fine, but he knew it was pointless to argue with Hector. He had been working with the man for over two weeks now and while that wasn't long it was enough time to know that when Hector said the day was over, the day was over.

Michael sighed and cast his eyes down at his scuffed leather boots. He couldn't help but feel impatient. He wanted this so badly.

"Call that girlfriend of yours why don't you? It's been what, five minutes since you last spoke to her?"

Michael looked up at Joe's teasing and smiled. "Yeah, something like that."

The guys liked to tease him about Sara, but he had to admit it was a good idea.

"Okay I'm gonna head out. I'll see you guys tomorrow." He grabbed his bottled water and was heading towards the door when Joe spoke again.

"Michael?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell Lincoln we need him in today after all. We might as well lay some drum tracks."

Michael nodded and headed out the door.

XXXXX

Michael pulled the Vette into his parking spot and jumped out taking a moment to admire the only hot, red thing he had had the pleasure of being inside of as of late. He hit the button activating the alarm and headed to the elevator that would take him to his floor.

His mind was on Sara, the other hot redhead in his life as he slid the key in and pushed open the door to his apartment. He was headed in to make himself comfortable when he heard a giggle coming from his bedroom.

"What the hell?" His deep mumble, only slightly audible filled the quiet room.

He listened in silence for a moment and there is was again, another giggle and it was definitely coming from his bedroom.

He moved quickly to the door, his mind answering all of the questions springing forth, none of which he liked. If Linc was in there with someone he was going to kill him.

He pushed open the door and stopped in his tracks. The two girls in his bed looked up at him and started giggling.

"Michael… right?"

The blond was naked, at least from the waist up. As the sheet fell away he averted his eyes only to see the smooth tanned skin of the brunette lying next to her.

Ahh…fuck! How had they even gotten in here? His question was answered within seconds. "Ms. Barrow let us in. She said we should, um wait for you but we kinda got bored all alone so…" The blond lifted the sheet away and her tanned skin hit blue fire.

"No, ah, I think Jane… Ms. Barrow made a mistake. You have to um, both of you need to get dressed and get out…Now." He closed the door of his bedroom and took a deep breath.

He stood listening but there was nothing but silence from the other side of the door. He hoped it meant they were dressing and would be out of there soon.

He wanted to kill Jane. His needs would be met? Was this what she had meant by that? He ran a hand over his head and made his way to the balcony.

Pushing the door shut behind him he plopped down in one of the patio chairs and fished out his cell phone. He pushed Linc on his memory and put the phone to his ear.

He listened as it rang and then Linc's voice mail kicked in, "Leave a message or don't, it's your call."

Michael shook his head, "Hey, man, you need to go in today. Joe and Hector wanna lay some tracks. I'll be home for a while…so if you wanna get some Chinese or something later?" Michael glanced up at the two girls standing by the door. "I gotta go. Call me later." He flipped the phone closed and moved to the door.

"Um, did we um, do something wrong? I mean you don't like us?" The brunette had finally spoken, while the blond was silent beside her.

Michael blinked at them. Were these gorgeous girls really feeling rejected by him?

"Ah, no, you didn't do anything. I mean your both really beautiful. It's just...It's just I have a girlfriend in Chicago…"

The blonde smiled, her blue eyes locking with Michael's. "Wow, she's a lucky girl."

Michael smiled and shook his head. "No, I'm the lucky one." He slipped a hand around the blonde's arm, "Now, why don't you let me show you two girls out? I don't mean to be rude, but I have a phone call to make."

XXXXX

Michael was headed towards his bedroom, cell phone in hand when he remembered the state of his sheets. He sighed and moved along the hall to the guest room where Linc had been staying the last two weeks. He shoved open the door and made his way to the freshly made bed.

God, he loved this apartment. And the maid service was beyond incredible. No matter the mess, each morning the service would come in and he would come home to an immaculate apartment.

That is until Jane decided to toss girls into his bed. Pushing it from his mind he plopped down and repositioned the pillows making himself comfortable. Once settled he flipped open his cell phone, a little smile coming to his lips at the sight of the small word lit up in green.

He pushed the button next to Sara's name and brought the phone up to his ear the scrape of stubble against the screen reminding him he needed to shave.

He leaned back and listened as it rang, his eyes moving to the clock 3:35pm. It would be 5:35 in Chicago. He knew Sara's last class was over at 3:00, so he figured she would have some time to talk.

"Michael." He closed his eyes and pictured her on the other end of the line, her eyes; the smile evident in her voice...

"Hey…" His fingers moved subconsciously to where his t-shirt had ridden up, his long fingers stroking the soft hair just above his belly button.

"How did it go today?"

Michael reached for his water and took a sip before answering. "It went okay. We got a lot of vocals laid today. How bout you? How was school?"

"Same old thing, but at least I'm finally caught up. Hey, did you get the pictures I sent you?" Her voice sounded so good to him. He was glad she could finally relax a little. He hadn't been surprised in the least by how quickly she was able to catch up in her studies once he wasn't there to distract her.

"No, I haven't been online today." His eyes moved to the new computer on the desk in the corner.

He and Lincoln had just hooked it up the night before. He hopped up and made his way to the chair, his toes sinking into the cool, soft carpet. He tucked the phone between his ear and his shoulder and began to log in to check his e-mail.

"I'm logging into my e-mail now." He opened the first attachment and shifted in the chair.

A few beats later he was smiling back at her face on the screen. "I like it. You look good; like your not studying too hard." He teased.

She laughed, a low sexy laugh that sent a tingle through him.

"Yeah…well..."

"Seriously, Sara…do something fun."

"I am doing something fun, Michael. I'm talking to you. Hey, send me a picture?"

He laughed, "I don't have a camera."

"So buy one." The smile in her voice was infectious.

"Okay, I will." He opened another attachment and his smile grew. The picture was of Heather sticking her tongue out at the camera.

He closed it and opened another. Sara's face came up on the screen taking his breath. This one was different then the first, the look in her eyes telling him she had taken the photo just for him, her coppery eyes seeking him out, drawing him in.

"Hey, are you still there?" He jumped a little at the sound of her voice.

"Um, ah, yeah, I just got to the last picture." His voice sounded a bit off, and he wasn't sure if it was the stress of the day's recording or the photo in front of him.

"Is your throat still bothering you?"

"A little…Sara, the last picture is ah…it's great." He listened to her soft laugh and then they both grew quiet.

After a beat, "I miss you."

"I know…I miss you too." Her voice was low, softer.

Michael's eyes moved back to the screen. "Hey, send me a picture…of you…one for my eyes only."

Sara laughed, but then grew serious, "Ah, no."

"Oh, come on, Sara…" He was only half serious.

"Uh huh, I don't think so, Michael. I mean Lincoln uses the computer too, what if he were to see it or something?"

"Lincoln has his own e-mail account. He would never see it."

Sara was quiet and he was opening his mouth to say it was okay, she didn't have to do it if she was uncomfortable with the idea when she surprised him. "I'll um, I'll send you a picture, but no promises on how, um, on what I'll be wearing…or not wearing."

It was Michael's turn to be silent. And then, "Ah, okay. I'll, um, I'll be waiting for it then…I mean really waiting for it."

Sara laughed. "K. I'll send it soon I promise"

Michael grinned and leaned back in the chair trying to get comfortable. He knew he would be more comfortable on the bed, but this way he could look at her while they talked.

(Later)

Time always flew when he was on the phone with Sara, and today was no exception. They were talking about the newest movies when Michael heard the front door open and close.

"I think Lincoln just walked in...probably with dinner."

"I should probably go anyways. I have a paper to write. Call me tomorrow?"

"I will."

Michael stared into the coppery depths in front of him on the screen not wanting to break the connection. Wanting to say I love you, but knowing it would end the call.

And then the words were out of his mouth and he was flipping the phone closed.

He sat quietly for a moment just looking at her. And then he closed the attachment and logged off.

He jumped up and headed towards the door, the smell of chinese food igniting his taste buds.

He figured if nothing else, coming home to find two hot, naked girls in his bed would make for great dinner conversation.

But he intended to have a very different conversation with Jane Barrow.

XXXXX

(The next day0

Michael pushed open the door to Jane's office and walked in, the secretary's eyes were glued to his ass, as always, but he ignored it, he was used to women staring at him.

Jane looked up and smiled, her blue eyes meeting his. Her smile faltered a little at the coldness in his depths, but she recovered quickly enough. "Have a seat, Michael." She motioned for him to sit across from her.

Without uttering a word he took a seat.

After a beat, "Two girls were in my bed yesterday afternoon, Jane."

Jane was looking down at some paper work in front of her. "And…?"

Michael took a deep breath, "And I didn't appreciate it."

Jane laughed, her eyes shooting up from her desk top. "You're joking right? I send you not one, but two hotties and you don't like them...your upset? I'm confused, Michael. You're not gay, right, or is my gaydar on the fritz?"

Michael wasn't amused. "No, Jane I'm not gay, but I do have standards…and a girlfriend."

Jane's smile died on her lips. "Right… Sara, isn't it?"

Michael studied her for a second. "Yeah, Sara. And if you knew this, why did you send those 'hotties' to my place? I don't need you to hook me up."

Jane sat back and crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze level on him. "It's simple, Michael, we just want you to be happy."

Michael sat forward a little, meeting her eyes. "If you want me happy, let me fly back to Chicago for the weekend."

Jane smiled and shook her head. " I can't do that, Michael. You know we're on a tight shedule. And we've already paid for studio time."

"Then Sara can come here." He tried, determination in his voice.

"I don't think that would be a good idea, Michael."

"Why not? Isn't keeping me happy the idea? I mean you said you want me happy, Jane, well it's simple, let me see Sara."

"It's not a good idea because I need your head here, Michael, not with Sara."

Michael's eyes were chips of blue steel. As she continued to speak they grew even cooler.

"I think it wold be best if you were to concentrate on your music, don't you? I mean Sara wouldn't want you to mess this up."

"What are you saying, Jane?"

"I'm just saying you should take some time. Let Sara finish up with school while you concentrate on helping me get this CD out there...And about Sara, Michael? I think it would be best if you, ah, how do I put this without pissing you off?" She tapped her chin.

How did she say what without pissing him off? He was already pretty damn pissed.

"Maybe you don't say it?" His voice was cutting.

Jane ignored him. "Michael maybe it would be best if...Maybe keeping your personal life personal would be best?"

Michael just stared at her.

Noting his agitation, but continuing anyways, "Michael, you have an interview with Spin magazine next week. And maybe they won't ask you your relationship status this time, but maybe they will. I just think you should be prepared to..."

Michael shook his head. "I'm not lying about Sara if that's what your getting at, Jane. I'm not saying I'm unattached to sell CD's."

"Michael this is your career we're talking about here. I'm sure Sara will..."

"No! He cut her off, his voice loud. Seconds ticked away. When he spoke again his voice had softened, "No, I can't do that to her Jane. I won't do it. We've been through too much, and...I just can't."

Jane steepled her hands together and studied him. "Okay, well maybe they won't ask. Maybe we can just dodge that bullet this time?"

Michael was getting to his feet, he had heard enough of this shit. As far as he was concerned it was settled.

"But Michael?" He looked up at her voice, "They will ask eventually, and it will matter. Because your going to be... hot. And all those girls out there? They're going to want you. Have you given that any thought at all?"

Michael shook his head. "There's only one girl I care about, Jane. And as long as she wants me, none of that matters."

He walked out, leaving her staring at a closed door.

(Song: Seven by Sinch)